Experiences in Ticino

More than 100 animals from all over the world are at home in the Zoo al Maglio to marvel at. These include lions, panthers, snow leopards, serval, the Bennett wallaby, gibbons, macaques and capuchin monkeys as well as parrots.

The Piazza della Reforma is Lugano’s main square and is an inviting place for tourists and locals to relax as they enjoy the many bistros and restaurants.

Smuggling, drug enforcement, financial crime, migration, precious metal control, species and cultural asset protection – visitors to the Customs Museum gain an insight into the everyday work of border guards and customs officers in Switzerland, from the foundation of the Confederation in 1848 to the present day.

The treasure hunts offered by Ascona-Locarno Tourism are a fun, amusing way of discovering the area. There are four treasures hidden there which can only be found by the craftiest adventurers.

Experience the special atmosphere of a restaurant combined with one of the largest indoor miniature golf courses in Switzerland, set in a landscape of subtropical plants.

A great Adventure for nature explorers, music lovers, conscious travelers, visiting two of the most amazing waterfall in Maggia valley, Ticino, with like-minded people and a sound artist/live DJ.

Located on the shores of Lake Lugano, this 63,000 square metre park constitutes the city’s green lung. Here you can recover from the hustle and bustle of the city as you walk along paths lined by magnificent centuries-old trees.

At the southern end of Lake Lugano is the 1,701 metre high Monte Generoso. This lofty altitude makes it without a doubt the best mountain for views in the canton of Ticino.

This trail in the Malcantone region is suitable for families. It is 7 km long and can be completed comfortably in 4 - 6 hours.

The Monte Tamaro lies in the triangle between Lugano, Bellinzona and Locarno. It is famous for the Santa Maria degli Angeli church designed by Mario Botta and the scenic ridge walk from Monte Lema.

From the past to the present: There are a whole host of architectural jewels from the 20th and 21st century to discover on this walk through Lugano.

Let’s go on a treasure hunt in the Weltu Forest! Modern geocoaching technology makes this a high-tech adventure for the young and young at heart.

Swissminiature is Switzerland on a smaller scale. There are 128 models of houses, castles and monuments in the open air, distributed throughout the 14,000 square meter park. The models have been recreated authentically - with great attention to detail - and are surrounded by thousands of plants and flowers.

These days, Castello Visconti houses an archaeological museum with a collection of valuable vases and hand-blown glass goblets. Next to it is the Rivellino, a former defensive bastion. According to some historical documents and more recent studies, this is said to be the work of the great master Leonardo da Vinci.

Lake Maggiore extends from the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland far into the Italian regions of Piedmont and Lombardy. Thanks to its mild climate, there is lush, Mediterranean vegetation along its shores. In the hinterland is a wild and romantic mountain landscape with breathtaking views.

Suspension Rope Park at the middle station of the Monte Tamaro. A fascinating acrobatic course situated in a hundred-year-old beech forest.

Just a 15-minute walk from Ascona rises the 321 metre tall "Hill of Truth". The panoramic view of the village and the Lago Maggiore is fantastic – just like the story of the eccentrics from around the world who established an early hippy colony here in 1900. This spirit can still be seen today in the hotel, in the museum – and while strolling through the park.

The Museo etnografico of Valle di Muggio is primarily an open-air museum. The information center does have exhibitions, but the permanent exhibits are to be found in the surrounding environs. Amazing, what an Alpine valley has to offer. First of all, there is the "Nevèra", which can only be found here in Switzerland. It is a cylindrical construct made of quarry-stone brickwork, with a conical flagstone roof. During the winter this structure, which is several meters deep, was filled with snow. In the past, local farmers used to keep milk cool in these cylinders until further processing, up until the following fall season. Graa" are another object of interest. They are buildings for drying chestnuts. "Cisterna" are buildings that collect and store water from snow melting on roofs. "Roccolo" are towers for catching birds.

This self-guided tour allows you to discover Lugano from the perspective of its street art.

This wellness complex is both a place for coming together and a place of rest and relaxation. The complex is known in particular for its unique lakeside location as well as its architecture.

At Lake Lugano, it is wonderfully easy to escape one’s daily routine: by enjoying a sunbath below palm trees, cruises on the lake or hiking tours through magnificent landscapes.

Switzerland's lowest and highest point at a glance: Lake Maggiore to the south, the Valais Alps with the Dufourspitze to the west. All just five minutes from the town of Locarno.

One pass, six museums. The Ascona-Locarno region is a cultural hot spot.

Ticino means Switzerland paired with Italian flair. And the region’s lakes, mountains and swaying palms, together with Mediterranean-like climate, provide a superb environment for golf.

A trip to the Breggia Gorges is a real time travelling experience. In this part of the Mendrisiotto along the Breggia River you will find some unusual geological formations.